Essentials of Human Anatomy & Physiology (12th Edition)

Published by Pearson
ISBN 10: 1292216239
ISBN 13: 978-1-29221-623-2

Chapter 14 - The Digestive System and Body Metabolism - Review Questions - Page 536: 39

Answer

A fever is a body temperature that’s higher than is considered normal. It’s also called a high temperature, hyperthermia, or pyrexia.

Work Step by Step

A fever is a body temperature that’s higher than is considered normal. It’s also called a high temperature, hyperthermia, or pyrexia, and it’s usually a sign that the body is heating up to protect itself from infection. Normal body temperatures are different for everyone, but they lie within the range of 97 to 99 degree Fahrenheit. A temperature of 100.4 or higher is considered a fever. A part of the brain called the hypothalamus controls body temperature. In response to an infection, illness, or some other cause, the hypothalamus may reset the body to a higher temperature. So when a fever comes on, it’s a sign that something is going on in the body.
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